Knowing where your property starts and ends is important for any business, especially businesses that are listed on Google Maps.
Clearly, outlined property lines can prevent legal complications and ensure you make informed decisions about land usage. While hiring a licensed land surveyor is the most precise method of determining property boundaries, Google Maps can provide a useful and free way to visualize approximate property lines. When you use Google Maps to help define your property, you boost the user-friendliness of your maps, bio, and navigation pages.
Our SEO guide to using Google Maps for property lines will walk you through the process of displaying property lines on Google Maps and explore why property lines are important not only for personal use but also for Google My Business (GMB) and local SEO optimization.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Show Property Lines on Google Maps
Step 1: Open Google Maps
To begin, open Google Maps in your web browser or through the mobile app on your phone or tablet. Ensure that you are logged into your Google account to access all the features Google Maps offers, including custom maps and saving locations for future reference.
Step 2: Enter the Property Address
In the search bar at the top of the Google Maps screen, enter the property address whose boundaries you want to view. Google will automatically zoom in on the property’s location on the map. If you’re not sure of the exact address, you can navigate manually using the Zoom and Pan tools to locate the area of interest.
Step 3: Switch to Satellite View
For a clearer view of the property and the surrounding area, switch from the default map view to Satellite View, which provides a more realistic layout of the terrain, buildings, and other landmarks.
- On Desktop: In the bottom-left corner, click the “Layers” icon, then select “Satellite” from the available options.
- On Mobile: Tap the layer icon (usually located in the top-right corner of the screen) and choose “Satellite.”
This feature allows you to see real-life details, such as trees, driveways, and building structures, making it easier to visually estimate property boundaries.
Step 4: Use Google Earth for More Detailed Boundaries
For a more in-depth view, especially if Google Maps does not show visible property lines, consider switching to Google Earth. Google Earth provides high-resolution satellite imagery and, in many cases, more precise boundaries of land parcels.
- Open Google Earth on your desktop or download the mobile app.
- Use the search bar to enter the address or coordinates of the property in question.
- Once you locate the property, zoom in. In some cases, property lines will automatically be displayed on the map.
It’s important to note that Google Earth’s property lines may not be available in all regions, as this data depends on local authorities sharing their geographic information.
Step 5: Access GIS Data for Exact Property Boundaries
If Google Maps and Google Earth do not provide the necessary detail, your next step should be exploring Geographic Information System (GIS) data. GIS platforms, usually managed by local governments, provide precise, legal property boundary data. You can often integrate GIS data with Google Maps for a more comprehensive view.
To access GIS data:
- Search online for “[Your County] GIS property map” or visit your county’s official website to see if they provide GIS resources.
- Once on the GIS platform, enter your property address or parcel number to view the exact boundaries.
- Many GIS platforms offer the option to download boundary data, which can be imported into Google Earth for easier visualization.
GIS data is generally the most accurate method of displaying property lines digitally, as it is typically sourced directly from land survey records. This data may include additional details like zoning information, easements, and property ownership records.
Step 6: Explore Third-Party Apps for Property Line Information
Some third-party apps and websites provide more detailed property boundary information than Google Maps alone. These services pull data from public records and other sources to display property lines overlaid on satellite imagery. Some popular third-party apps include:
- OnX: Initially designed for outdoor enthusiasts, OnX provides detailed maps of land parcels and boundaries.
- LandGlide: Offers GPS-enabled property line maps, showing boundaries and property ownership information.
- Regrid: A property data platform ideal for developers, real estate agents, and landowners.
- ParcelQuest: A subscription-based service that provides detailed parcel data, especially useful for real estate professionals.
These apps allow you to see property lines that may not be visible on Google Maps and offer additional features like offline use, GPS tracking, and more detailed ownership information.
The Importance of Property Lines for Google My Business and Local SEO
Now that you know how to display property lines on Google Maps, let’s dive into why having accurate property boundary data is critical for your business, particularly for Google My Business (GMB) and local SEO.
1. Enhanced Accuracy for Your GMB Profile
Displaying accurate property boundaries on Google Maps ensures that customers can easily locate your business. This is especially important for businesses situated on large plots of land, industrial zones, or shared commercial spaces where boundaries can be unclear. When customers search for your business on Google Maps, accurate boundaries ensure they know exactly where your business is located, making it easier to navigate to your premises.
2. Boosting Local SEO Rankings
Google My Business listings play a crucial role in determining your local search engine rankings. When you accurately define your property and ensure that your business address is correctly mapped, Google can better associate your business with relevant local search queries. This improves your local SEO performance, increasing the chances that your business appears in the coveted Google Local Pack—the top three local listings shown for search queries.
Accurate property boundaries help solidify your business’s geographic footprint, which is one of the ranking factors for local SEO. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on local foot traffic, such as retail stores, restaurants, or service providers.
3. Improved User Experience
For businesses with physical locations, having accurate and clearly defined property boundaries can enhance the overall user experience. When potential customers search for your business online, they want clear directions and a precise understanding of where your business is located. Properly mapped property lines ensure that they don’t get lost or confused about parking or entrances, improving customer satisfaction.
4. Distinguishing Your Business from Competitors
If your business shares a complex with other companies or is located in a busy commercial district, having accurate property lines on Google Maps can help distinguish your business from nearby competitors. This clarity can reduce confusion, especially for businesses with multiple units or branches in the same vicinity. Ensuring that your property lines are visible makes your business stand out on the map, increasing your chances of attracting local customers.
5. Building Trust and Authority
Transparency builds trust, and showing clearly defined property lines on your Google My Business profile can help establish your business as credible and professional. Customers appreciate knowing they are dealing with a legitimate business with a clear location, and accurate mapping plays a role in this perception.
Conclusion: Using Property Lines for Business Success and SEO
Using Google Maps to show property lines is a convenient way to understand your land’s boundaries, and it also offers significant benefits for businesses looking to improve local SEO and Google My Business profiles. While these tools are great for general purposes, always remember that legal property matters require the expertise of a licensed land surveyor.
At Graphic Forms, we specialize in helping you optimize your Google profile to boost SEO, foot traffic, and referrals from customers. Our expert team is here to help you define your property boundaries and enhance your business visibility on Google.
Contact Graphic Forms today to learn how we can help you with your local SEO.
